URBAN GOURMET ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF EVENTS MANAGER

Auckland based events and catering company, Urban Gourmet, has appointed Bridget Daniel to the position of Events Manager.

Bridget will be organising weddings, cocktail parties, formal dinners and corporate events, as well as a whole host of other functions, for Urban Gourmet clients.

Bridget has come from Hudson Sales and International events company, Reed Exhibitions. She managed a range of high-profile events including the Speciality and Fine Food Fair and the launch of IFE (International Food Exhibition) in Budapest.

'I am a real foodie so this role is perfect for me. I had tasted Urban Gourmet at various events and been absolutely overwhelmed,” explains Bridget. ‘I was also really attracted to the diversity and scope of the position, the staff at Urban Gourmet and the level of client interaction.'

Bridget believes that the specialist knowledge she gained overseas will add significant value to Urban Gourmet’s client offering.

More information on Urban Gourmet can be found at http://www.urbangourmet.co.nz/

KIWI KIDS ARE NOT GETTING ENOUGH VITAMINS

Evidence is continuing to mount that many children in New Zealand are under nourished according to research published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, further endorsing the Health & Herbs’ Herbal Hero campaign for better childhood nutrition.

A study by the University of Otago of 184 school aged children released in September found that iodine supplementation led to significant improvements in cognitive brain function. Previous studies suggest that up to half of all New Zealand children may be mildly deficient in iodine.

A second study, published this month, of 225 South Island toddlers, says that the one in three New Zealand pre-schoolers who have low iron levels, which can slow brain development and cause behavioural problems, would benefit from an iron fortified diet.

Health & Herbs International, has launched a new campaign headed up by ‘Herbal Hero’, a cartoon character created by Health & Herbs to educate children and their parents on the benefits of good nutrition and taking a regular dietary supplement.

Jacqui Simcock, Senior Technical Manager at Health & Herbs explains: `Radiance Kids Multi provides iodine naturally sourced from sea kelp as well as iron and adequate, yet safe levels of all the vitamin and mineral nutrients needed to keep kids healthy and vibrant. But parents do need to remember, these are not designed to replace food, they are an essential nutrient top up.’

Health & Herbs’ campaign is backed up by the most recent Ministry of Health Children’s Nutrition Survey which shows that only two out of five children meet the recommended number of fruit servings per day.

‘New Zealand children are not underfed but the foods they are eating are not meeting their nutritional needs,’ Jacqui adds. ‘A variety of nutrients are known to encourage healthy brain and nerve function, memory, mood etc – these include vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins, essential fatty acids (DHA) as well as iron and iodine.

‘These new studies are great in that they bring recognition to often forgotten minerals such as iodine that are commonly deficient in all New Zealanders, especially children as they are rarely exposed to high iodine containing foods beyond iodised salt.’

‘Herbal Hero’ is visiting participating stores nationwide to promote Health & Herb’s new Radiance Kids range, which has taken seven years to perfect. The range includes Radiance Kids Multi, Kids Immune, Kids Vege, Kids Bone and Kids Colostrum. The Radiance Kids formulations have been specifically developed for New Zealand children’s dietary supplement needs and are exclusive to Radiance worldwide.

Visit http://www.healthandherbs.co.nz/ for more information Follow Herbal Hero on Twitter http://twitter.com/herbalheroOr become a Facebook fan www.facebook.com/pages/Herbal-Hero/293087745304?ref=ts

LUMINO THE DENTISTS SMILE STUDIO CELEBRATES THREE YEARS WITH NATIONAL DENTAL NETWORK

The Smile Studio in Orewa is enjoying a facelift, to celebrate its three year anniversary as part of the national Lumino The Dentists group. A new logo, colours, outside signage and a refreshed reception area are all part of the refurbishment.

‘We are very pleased with what has been done. It looks very smart,’ says lead dentist, Dr. Adam Doudney. ‘Getting the exterior Lumino The Dentists signage up is an appropriate way to celebrate the three successful years we have had with the dental group. It also confirms in everybody’s minds, that we are a committed part of the national network.’

‘It has been great to get the whole place freshened up. The last time it was fully repainted was 13 years ago, when the practice was first established, so it was looking a bit tired. Customers can now enjoy being in a bright, modern looking environment that matches the high level of service that they expect to receive from us.’

Smile Studio has also been updating its machinery and dental technology. The practice recently brought single-visit, CEREC dentistry to the Rodney District. The CEREC technology, which uses a variety of computer assisted technologies, enables a Smile Studio dentist to design, fabricate and fit a new crown, veneer, onlay or inlay in a single visit. The same procedures in the past would have taken multiple sittings with the patient.

‘According to our supplier, we have the only CEREC machine in Rodney,’ says Adam. ‘Refreshing the appearance of the practice and making these new dental technologies available is all part of keeping things as up-to-date as possible for our customers.’

For more information, visit http://www.lumino.co.nz/

OASIS BEAUTY NZ ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NATIONAL TRAINING & EVENT MANAGER

Oasis Beauty NZ has appointed Amy Fisher to the position of National Training and Event Manager.

Amy will hold training sessions and special events for potential and current Oasis Beauty stockists so that they can learn more about the company and its range of naturally inspired sun and skin care products.

Amy, who studied at the Southern School of Natural Therapies in Victoria, has spent the last 12 years working in the beauty industry and is experienced in spa and beauty therapy, product sales, merchandising and training. Previous responsibilities have included managing the Jurlique Day Spas in Melbourne and London and launching the Origins counter at Kirkcaldie and Stains in Wellington. Amy also spent time as Business Performance Manager and Trainer for prestigious Parisian skin care and cosmetic brands, Sisley and Orlane.

‘I am very excited to be a part of the Oasis Beauty team,’ explains Amy. ‘I’m looking forward to working for a brand that is honest, uses the very best ingredients and achieves outstanding results for its customers.’

To find out more about Oasis Beauty, visit www.oasisbeauty.co.nz

NEW TEAM MEMBER JOINS KEN HOLMES FINANCIAL SERVICES

Chris Baker has joined Orakei based Ken Holmes Financial Services as an adviser specialising in investment and small to medium enterprises.

Chris who is a qualified chartered accountant was previously a director, private clients at ANZ Private Bank and has broad experience in consulting to local government financial services.

Although brought up in Epsom and educated at Auckland University, Chris has worked extensively in the US and in London, with a special interest in importing and exporting.
He has four sons and has coached the university rugby and cricket club junior level teams for over 15 years.

Chris comments: `A big part of my role at KHFS will be assisting our clients in creating and maintaining their wealth and financial security. We try and focus on individual solutions based on each client's situations. A clear financial strategy is the key.'

KHFS principal Ken Holmes says: `I've known Chris for over 15 years and this is a great opportunity for us to work together. He has a great rapport with people and is an expert at providing tailor made solutions which cover all the elements.'

MUSINGS FROM AN INTERMEDIARY E-NEWSLETTER

I am currently putting the finishing polish on our first Musings from an Intermediary e-newsletter. It will contain lots of news from both Intermediary and the PR world. It will also include some very special offers and PR packages- just what you need to get you through the rest of this blip in the economy. I am planning on sending it out on a quarterly basis (February, May, August and November). Just flick me an email if you would like to be on the mailing list!

ANDREW SIMMS AND ATECO AUTOMOTIVE HOLD ALFA ROMEO LAUNCH EVENT ABOARD RECORD BREAKING RACING YACHT

On Tuesday afternoon, Auckland car dealer, Andrew Simms, and Ateco Automotive NZ Ltd, the New Zealand importer and distributor of Citroen, Alfa Romeo and Fiat celebrated the launch of the Alfa Romeo MiTo. The glamorous event was held aboard Neville Crichton’s state of the art Super Maxi Racing Yacht, ‘Alfa Romeo II.’ Alfa Romeo customers and a number of other VIP guests were in attendance.

Andrew Simms, Managing Director of Andrew Simms European, recently invested $500,000 into his Newmarket based business, in order to accommodate Alfa Romeo, along with Citroen and Fiat. He was thrilled that ‘Alfa Romeo II’ was available for the MiTo launch:

‘Neville Crichton, Governing Director of Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd, was kind enough to share his stunning boat with our guests,’ says Andrew. ‘It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be given a personal tour of a top class, record breaking racing yacht. Plus, it was the perfect way to introduce the Alfa MiTo.’

The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a three door sporty hatchback. There are two versions available globally but the one that has been launched in New Zealand is the highly equipped, high specification 114 kW MiTo Sport. It includes Blue&Me Bluetooth telematics with a USB connection, climate control air conditioning, sports bumpers, spoiler and pedals, rear parking sensors, Brembo Brakes, auto wipers, lights and interior mirror as well as front fog lights as the headlines in its standard equipment list.

Lawrie Malatios, General Manager of Ateco Automotive NZ Pty Ltd, believes that the MiTo will be ideal for New Zealanders that crave the convenience, economy and low emissions of a small car as well as the style, performance, and luxury of Alfa Romeo’s larger models.

‘The only thing that has been downsized with the Alfa Romeo MiTo is the size,’ explains Lawrie. ‘Everything else is what would be expected of an Alfa Romeo, from the style, which is inspired by Alfa Romeo’s fastest production car, the Alfa 8C Competizione, to its performance, which is provided by a compact turbocharged engine. Equally, the Alfa Romeo MiTo shares a lavish level of equipment with its larger brothers and its long list of advanced technology will make it a benchmark in its class.’

The Alfa Romeo MiTo is priced at $39,990 plus statutory charges and delivery.For more information visit http://www.andrewsimms.co.nz/ or http://www.alfaromeo.co.nz/

CAMELSPACE HELPS AUT STUDENT HEAD UP AUCKLAND’S FIRST ARCHITECTURE CONVOY

Jessica Mentis, a final year spatial design student at the Auckland University of Technology headed up the city’s first ever architecture convoy on Friday (16th October), with the help of leading event structure and scaffolding business, Camelspace. The parade was held as part of Auckland Architecture Week 2009.

Jessica was given the opportunity to have her design, ‘Tower of Twittering Auckland’, lead the convoy after winning Stage 1 of the Architecture Week ‘TRANS-FORM-ers’ competition which she entered in July. The challenge was to design a piece of moving architecture.
Camelspace donated their time and materials to provide Jessica with a framework for her design.

‘Camelspace were able to provide me with a pyramid shaped tower, made out of scaffolding,’ explains Jessica. ‘This structure was at the centre of my design. It acted as a kind of aerial throughout the parade receiving tweeting signals. Then, at the end of the convoy, it was transformed into a stage, allowing the audience to climb it and send their own tweets.’
‘I am so grateful to Camelspace. I couldn’t have done it without them.’

‘We jumped at the chance to get involved,’ adds Phil McConchie, Commercial Director and co-founder of Camelspace. ‘We place huge importance on putting something back into our local community, and helping the next generation along. We were also really impressed with the design that Jessica came up with and wanted to help bring it to life.’

The Architecture convoy started at Western Springs, before moving on to Grey Lynn, K’Rd and Queen St. Arriving at Shed 12, 90 Wellesley Street West, the Architecture Week venue, all mobile architectures underwent a transformation, revealing an interior, which were exhibited and experienced as part of the Architecture Week Pecha Kucha evening. Jessica beat 600 other students from AUT, Auckland University and Unitec to take first prize in the design competition.

DEAR PUBLIC RELATIONS COMPANY....

I have read a few of your media releases recently and it seems you are a little confused as to how one of these simple documents should be structured. Perhaps you have not been in the industry for long and simply weren't aware of a couple of the following points (although, I have only been a public relations professional for three years and all of the PR students I know are familiar with the following guidelines. Ah well, maybe we are the exceptions to the rule...) Or maybe you weren't given the media release 'talk' when you were younger. Let me point you in the right direction...

1) The journalist you are sending these releases to receives a million, squillion emails a day. You need to capture his or her attention within the first few seconds of them glancing at the story or all is lost. A title that takes more time to figure out than the Da Vinci code is not going to go down well. The journalist probably won't even bother opening the document.

2) Every student in PR school is taught that the first paragraph must sum up the story. Even if you can convince our lovely journalist to open the file, stuffing the first five paragraphs with meaningless fluff will not compel them to read any further. I appreciate your attempt to alter the way all good media releases have been written since before the beginning of time but it's just not working is it?

3) Typos, typos, typos. Is it really that difficult to send out a media release without it being smattered with bad spelling and grammatical mistakes? I've heard that in-depth proofreading- by both yourself and other people in the office- can be helpful....

4) Media releases should always be sent out under the client's name, not the name of your consultancy. The aim is to get coverage for the brand you are representing, not for yourself.

5) Issuing your release after 5pm is not a particularly sensible idea. Mornings are the best time to get in touch with journalists. Otherwise, it is quite likely that your release will end up in a big black hole and it will never be read. Although, seeing as you do not adhere to the previous four points, maybe that is a blessing in disguise.

If you are still a little muddled, do not despair. There are plenty of 'how-to' guides on the internet or you could ask a PR student for some advice? Maybe you should have a read through this guide before you next attempt to put together a media release.

Warmest Regards,

A Fellow PR Company

KIWI INVENTION, BODYWALL, SET TO REVOLUTIONISE HEALTH AND FITNESS IN NEW ZEALAND

Bodywall, a New Zealand designed and manufactured health and fitness system is set to transform the way people look after themselves according to enthusiasts who have trialled the system. The first of a planned series of Bodywall centres has opened its doors in Mt Eden, Auckland, with plans to roll out an extensive network of franchise operated studios across both the North and South Islands. Bodywall franchises are only available to qualified personal trainers or physiotherapists.

‘Bodywall will redefine the health and fitness experience in New Zealand,’ says Bodywall founder and Managing Director, Chris Toal. ‘It is one of the most versatile and easy to use systems around meaning that it can cater to a wide variety of different fitness levels and needs. It has also proved its worth as a rehabilitative tool, helping everyone from burns victims to professional rugby players wanting to rebuild strength in an injured leg.

‘As well as being highly effective, Bodywall is also fun. It’s like a giant play gym for adults,’ adds Chris. ‘We recognise that most New Zealanders perceive exercise as a chore and would make more of an effort to do it if it was an enjoyable experience. An added bonus is that two people can use the wall at a time so you can share your workouts with a friend.’

Each Bodywall studio includes a large textured wall where all of the 30-60 minute sessions with either a personal trainer or physiotherapist take place. Whoever is working on the wall wears high-adhesion, rapid release gloves and shoes that were developed by Massey University’s Industrial Design Department and 3M New Zealand. Using the wall and force supplied by your own muscles Bodywall provides a low impact, high intensity workout, working on your limbs and core at the same time.

A variety of attachments have been designed specifically for the wall so that virtually any health or fitness need can be catered to by personal trainers or physiotherapists. This includes sports training with special adaptors for reproducing exact actions and loads for sports as diverse as rugby, cricket, tennis, golf, hockey, netball, skiing, boxing, kickboxing, weightlifting and many more.

All training sessions are with a qualified personal trainer or physiotherapist who works alongside clients to set and achieve their training goals.

For more information visit http://www.bodywall.com/

MORE NEW ZEALANDERS ARE SUFFERING FROM SENSITIVE SKIN SAYS OASIS BEAUTY. NATURAL SCENTS COULD BE THE ANSWER.

Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are suffering from sensitive skin, triggered by the chemicals in their perfumes and skincare products, says South Island based sun and skincare company, Oasis Beauty.

Their warning follows a British survey which reveals that 74% of women are allergic to their perfume and that organic or natural scents could be the perfect alternative. The research also shows that increasing numbers of women are seeking out more ecologically friendly scents which will not irritate their complexions.

‘Studies have shown that around 50% of women and 40% of men admit to having sensitive skin,’ says Stephanie Kimpton, co-founder of Oasis Beauty. ‘Unfortunately, the chemicals found in many skincare products and perfumes can exacerbate this condition. They can also cause pigmentation, contact urticaria (hives) and even photodermatitis (an abnormal skin reaction to ultraviolet (UV) rays).

‘One the challenges we face in New Zealand is that there are still no regulations that cover cosmetic ingredient labelling. This means that it is possible to buy cosmetics with no labelling and it can be very difficult to know exactly what you are putting on your skin.’
Oasis Beauty has seen growing numbers of people switch over to their more natural skincare products, due to problems with sensitive skin.

‘Some of these people have been putting up with various skincare issues for years,’ says Stephanie. ‘It’s only when they try a product without all the harsh chemicals in it that they realise that their skincare regime was part of the problem.

‘Choosing a fragrance or moisturiser which relies on natural scents and ingredients more than on chemical compounds, and only purchasing items which display a full list of ingredients, is a reliable way of ensuring that what you use on your skin isn’t going to cause an uncomfortable and unsightly reaction.’

All Oasis Beauty products are formulated from the highest quality organic, natural and ethical ingredients. No harsh chemicals, dyes or carcinogens are used and none of the products are tested on animals. The products are available online or from selected stockists and beauty therapists nationwide. For more information visit www.oasisbeauty.co.nz